WO1990008506A1 - Bio-acoustic signal sensing device - Google Patents
Bio-acoustic signal sensing device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1990008506A1 WO1990008506A1 PCT/US1989/005604 US8905604W WO9008506A1 WO 1990008506 A1 WO1990008506 A1 WO 1990008506A1 US 8905604 W US8905604 W US 8905604W WO 9008506 A1 WO9008506 A1 WO 9008506A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- sensor apparatus
- sound
- transducer
- sound sensor
- percent
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B7/00—Instruments for auscultation
- A61B7/02—Stethoscopes
- A61B7/04—Electric stethoscopes
Definitions
- This invention relates to diagnostic devices and, more particularly, to medical sensing devices used to detect energy in the audible range.
- the device of this invention is particularly useful for the detection of a broad range of frequencies of bio-acoustic signals or sound waves generated by the human body, particularly those by the heart.
- Phono-cardiography involves the detection of acoustical signals produced by the movement of heart muscle, heart valves and resultant blood flow which are transmitted through chest cavity tissues primarily to the chest and back skin surfaces.
- a sensor is typically placed at a predetermined, precordial location on the patient body surface to receive and transmit these signals.
- SUBSTITUTESHEET distortion and attenuation of sound waves the necessity for continuous "hands-on” operator manipulation, and the inability to simultaneously detect high and low frequency signals.
- a major problem with existing sensors is that they do not “couple” well to the body surface due to the impedance difference between the soft body tissues and the adjacent air. This impedance mismatch can result in acoustical energy losses exceeding 99 percent. Thus, only a small amount of an acoustical signal is transmitted from the body by present sensors or transducers.
- Attempts in the prior art to deal with the coupling problem include disposing a hydrophone in a liquid medium, such as a gel or water.
- the hydrophone senses sounds in the liquid environment, as opposed to the gaseous fluid environment of a microphone.
- a problem with such a device is the required use of a flexible membrane or diaphragm which permits the medium to closely contact the body surface.
- These and other prior art devices usually also require gel to be applied over the patient's skin for interfacing the membrane or diaphragm. This requirement is messy, time consuming and results in coupling losses between the gel and diaphragm boundary and between the diaphragm and transducer due to the interior fluid medium. Coupling losses of approximately 10 percent can result from sound wave transmittance across such
- hydrophonic fluids may chemically react with or degrade the diaphragm structure of the sensor devices.
- Prior art sensors utilizing fluid mediums further have difficulty with suspended gas bubbles in the hydrophonic media which result in high sound wave attenuation or energy loss. These attenuation losses are primarily due to viscous forces and heat conduction losses associated with the compression and expansion of small gas bubbles caused by the traveling sound wave. The resultant gas bubbles in the transmission medium also cause sound wave scattering which further results in sound wave energy loss. The presence of gas bubbles affects the physical characteristics of the medium by altering its density and compressibility which effects sound wave speed and which can result in considerable acoustic energy reflection and refraction losses.
- SUBSTITUTESHEET detects a broad range of heart sound frequencies, particularly low frequency sounds, and that minimizes heart sound wave distortion and attenuation.
- the sound sensor apparatus of the present invention is for reception of bio-acoustic signals from the body of a patient and being for use with a medical diagnostic device.
- the apparatus comprises a compact and unitary containment means constructed entirely of a flexible, pliable material.
- the containment means is for conforming placement to contact the body surface and which is molded of a homogeneous compound that is substantially acoustically matched to the patient body.
- Sound sensing means is embedded in the containment means and which receives and converts the bio-acoustic signals to electrical signals.
- Connection means is communicatively linked to the sound sensing means for transmitting electrical signals to the medical diagnostic device.
- the sound sens ing means is preferably a piezoelectric crystal transducer constructed of a composite material .
- the composite material preferably comprises at least 65 percent by weight lead, at least 20 percent by weight zirconium, and at least 10 percent by weight titanium , or alternatively polyvinylidene fluoride. In another embodiment of the
- the transducer comprises a fiber-optic coupler having an input optical fiber inputting a carrier light signal, coupling means connected to the first optical fiber, and a pair of output optical fibers communicatively connected to the input optical fiber at the coupling means, whereby the bio-acoustical signals impact the coupling means to modulate transmission of the carrier light signal to the output optical fibers.
- the containment means is constructed of a polymeric compound comprising a copolymer mixture in an amount of at least 5 percent by weight and having styrene end segments and elastomeric mid-segments linking the styrene end segments.
- the compound further comprises a mineral oil in an amount of at least 45 percent by weight and an adhesive agent in an amount of up to 30 percent by weight.
- the apparatus of this invention is usable directly on the patient body.
- the flexible and pliable containment media easily conforms to the contours of the body surface to enhance heart sound signal transfer and resolution by minimizing gaps between the body surface and the embedded sound sensing transducer. Further, the properties of the containment media minimize sound wave loss and distortion by reducing the acoustical parameter differences with respect to body tissues.
- FIG. 1 shows a pair of bio-acoustic signal sensing devices of the present invention placed in an operative orientation on a patient and further being connected to a medical diagnostic apparatus;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially in cross-section, of the bio-acoustic signal sensing device
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 2, taken on line 3-3;
- FIG. 4 is a lateral schematic view of another embodiment of the bio-acoustic signal sensing device
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the bio-acoustic signal sensing device
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the bio-acoustic signal sensing device.
- FIG. 7 is a top schematic diagram of an embodiment of the sound sensing transducer of the device;
- FIG. 8 is a lateral schematic diagram of the transducer shown in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the sound sensing transducer;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sound sensing transducer used in the sensing device of this invention.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view further showing the crystal plate structure of the transducer shown in FIG. 10.
- Fig. 1 shows a pair of sound sensing apparatus or devices 10 placed in an operative position at predetermined locations on a patient body.
- a physician or other medical personnel determines the appropriate positioning locations on the patient, for example, on the precordial or thoracic region 60 depending upon particular characteristics of the patient and the nature of the diagnostic test to be performed.
- two devices 10 are shown being used, a single device or additional devices may also be used consistent with this invention.
- the sound sensing device 10 is used to receive bio-acoustic signals transmitted from the patient and to convert the acoustical signals to electrical signals.
- the device 10 is communicatively connected via a cable or cable set 12 to a medical diagnostic device 13 which is used to analyze these converted bio-acoustic signals, such as heart sound waves.
- the medical diagnostic device 13 may be communicatively linked to a printer 14 for
- the device 10 is generally thin and flat so that it will easily remain in direct contact and in position on and with the body surface during use.
- the devices 10 are shown to be self-adhering to the body 60, alternatively however, the devices may be held in place by other securement means such as flexible straps having end connectors or the like.
- an acoustic coupling gel such as Aquasonic 100 " , produced by Parker Labs, or Lectro-Sonic", produced by Burdick, may be applied to the placement position.
- the structure of the sound sensing device 10 of this invention is economical in manufacture and thus, may be disposable after use.
- the signal sensing device or sensor 10 generally comprises a compact containment media or structure 15 composed entirely of a flexible and pliable material, a sound sensing transducer 16 which is embedded in the containment media 15, and the connection cable 12 which is communicatively linked to the transducer 16 and to the medical diagnostic device 13.
- the connection cable 12 is of a type known in the medical field. It preferably has a pair of inner conductors 59 which are connected to the sound sensing transducer 16. A non-conductive insulation surrounds the conductors 59.
- the containment media or structure 15 has a compact, molded circular or disk shaped configuration with a diameter of approximately 2 inches (5 cm.) and a thickness of approximately 0.5 inches (1 cm.). These dimensions are particularly desirable for reception of low frequency heart sound signals. Alternative configurations such as an oval, square or rectangular shape are also usable consistent with the invention.
- the flexible material of the containment media 15 easily conforms to the contours of the patient body surface. This conforming structural configuration and its cooperation with the embedded sound sensing transducer 16 enhances heart sound signal transfer and resolution by minimizing gaps between the body surface and the device 10. Further, the flexible structure is preferably of a composition which reduces sound wave loss and distortion by minimizing acoustical parameter differences between the device 10 and the patient body surface.
- the containment structure 15 therefore, is preferably constructed of a thermoplastic rubber polymer compound which has pliable or flexible physical properties.
- the compound of the containment structure 15 is acoustically matched, or in other words, has acoustical properties which are substantially equivalent to the tissues of the human
- the compound has a density times sound transmittance velocity product which preferably ranges from 1.5 x 10 to 1.5 x 10 gm/cm2 sec.
- the containment media 15 compound therefore, preferably has a styrene-elastomer-styrene polymeric structure which is formulated of at least 5 percent polymer by weight and at least 45 percent mineral oil by weight.
- the mineral oil forms physical cross links between the individual polymer molecules.
- the compound additionally
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET comprises an adhesive agent in an amount of not more than 30 percent by weight and an anti-oxidizer in an amount of not more than 5 percent by weight, for example, sodium E.D.T.A.
- the preferred embodiment of the compound comprises 10-30 percent by weight polymer, 45-75 percent by weight mineral oil, and between 5 and 20 percent adhesive agent.
- the mineral oil is preferably a food grade, medium viscosity oil (type 7NF) as known in the art.
- the polymer molecule is comprised of styrene end segments or domains, which are linked by an elastomer or rubber phase. The styrene end segments are preferably polystyrene.
- the elastomer mid-segment is selected from the group consisting of po ly i s op rene , po l ybut ad i ene and p o l y ( e t hy l e n e - b uty l e n e ) .
- S-B-S S u c h styrene-butadiene-styrene
- S-I-S styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene
- S-E-B-S styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene copolymers
- the adhesive agent is a pressure sensitive adhesive such as Eastobond” or polyisobutylene.
- Tackfiers such as Cumar R-16", Piccotex 100", and Pentalyn H ⁇ are also usable, consistent with the teachings of the invention.
- SUBSTITUTE SHEET The compounds described provide unitary, homogeneous containment structures of varying degrees of pliability and adhesiveness. Generally, as the ratio of mineral oil to copolymer in the compound increases, flexibility increases and adhesiveness decreases. Although particular containment structure compounds are provided herein, additional compounds may be formulated, having the pliable, homogeneous and acoustic transmission characteristics described, to practice the teachings of this invention.
- the containment media 15 described above preferably has adhesive properties so that the device 10 conformingly adheres to the patient body without additional securement structures or a separate adhesive layer.
- FIG. 4 another embodiment of the bio-acoustic signal sensing device 17 is shown wherein the containment media 15 has a patient contact surface 18 which is coated with an adhesive 19, as known in the art, for conforming adherence to the patient.
- the sound sensing transducer 16 is preferably a thin crystal transducer constructed of a composite material. As shown, the transducer 16 has a circular or disk shape, for example, with a diameter of approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm.) and a thickness of approximately 0.05 inches (1 mm.).
- the crystal 61 exhibits the piezoelectric effect whereby transmitted sound waves subject the crystal 61 to a mechanical
- SUBSTITUTESHEET stress which sets up an electrical polarization and causes the faces of the crystal 61 to become electrically charged.
- the polarity of the charges reverses as crystal compression changes to crystal tension.
- an approximately linear relationship exists between crystal 61 deformation and electric field strength and the change in electric field strength along the axes in the crystal 61 can be defined by known equations relating to the incremental stress and the piezoelectric strain constant.
- the transducer 16 has conductive layers 11 on its top and bottom surfaces which conduct electrical signals produced via the piezoelectric activity of the crystal 61. Individual insulated lead wires 59 are communicatively connected to the conductive layers 11 and extend to form the cable 12.
- the composite material of the crystal 61 preferably comprises a mixture of at least 65 percent by weight lead, at least 20 percent by weight zirconium, and at least 10 percent by weight titanium.
- a crystal 61 composition provides a relatively high output and good frequency response.
- the crystal 61 may be constructed of polymeric polyvinylidene fluoride to provide increased flexibility for cooperation with the containment media 15.
- a processor 57 is shown to be connected directly
- the received acoustic signals are processed prior to transmission to the medical diagnostic device 13. Such processing may include signal amplification, signal enhancement, signal filtering, current limitation or the like.
- the signal processor 57 is communicatively linked to the connection cable 12.
- Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the bio-acoustic signal sensing device 24 wherein the sound sensing transducer 16 is communicatively connected to a phototransmitter 55 and an optical fiber link 56. Electrical signals produced by the transducer 16 are provided to a modulator 43, and linked to the phototransmitter 55 which converts them to optical signals. The phototransmitter 55 is further connected to a battery power source 44.
- the phototransmitter 55 shown is preferably a laser diode, such as an ML 5101 or ML 5401, manufactured by Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc. , Sunnyvale, CA.
- the optical signals are then transmitted to the medical diagnostic device 13 by the optical fiber 56.
- a photo detector (not shown) is connected to the optical fiber 56 to convert the transmitted optical signals into electrical signals.
- the fiber optic link 56 of this low power embodiment provides a patient safety factor due to the electrical isolation of the sensor 24 from the medical diagnostic device 13.
- Figs. 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of the sound sensing transducer 20.
- the transducer 20 comprises an optical fiber coupler 21 for reception of acoustic signals and for connection of a plurality of optical fibers.
- the optical fibers are preferably high power, plastic optical fibers, for example, such as those manufactured by Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. , Simsbury, CT.
- a first or input optical fiber 22 inputs a carrier optical signal to the optical coupler 21.
- a pair of output optical fibers 23 are communicatively connected to the input optical fiber 22 by the optical coupler 21 in a generally "Y" shaped configuration.
- the carrier optical signal is transmitted from the input optical fiber 22 and split to the pair of output optical fibers 23.
- the splitting ratio of light transmitted to the respective output optical fibers 23 is substantially constant.
- acoustic signals impacting the coupler 21 modulate transmission of the carrier signal and alter or vary the splitting ratio to the pair of output optical fibers 23.
- SUBSTITUTESHEET modulation of the splitting ratio is detected by a pair of photodetectors (not shown) , disposed at the ends of the output optical fibers 23, and which produce electrical signals as a function of the received optical energy.
- This zero power embodiment of the sound sensing transducer 20 also provides a patient safety factor due to the electrical isolation of the transducer 20 from the medical diagnostic device 13.
- Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of the sound sensing transducer and which comprises a hydrophone structure 26.
- the hydrophone 26 is generally centrally placed and embedded within the containment media 15, and produces electrical signals in response to transmitted heart sound waves in the frequency range of 10 to 2,000 Hz.
- the hydrophone structure 26 is comprised of a cantilever beam crystal 27, a current distribution system 30, a hydrophone cavity 28 and an exterior insulating layer 29.
- the beam crystal 27 is an elongated, thin, and flexible cantilever beam crystal.
- Contacts 34 are disposed at opposing sides of the crystal 27 near its supporting base or mounting end 25.
- the crystal 27 is vibratingly sensitive to sound pressure variations and a proportional electric current is produced by its vibration.
- the crystal 27 is located within the hydrophone cavity 28 to permit its vibration.
- SUBSTITUTESHEET Figs. 10 and 11 show an alternative hydrophone embodiment 35, for example, as manufactured by Mark Products, Inc. of Houston, Tex.
- the hydrophone 35 is shown to be comprised of a circular plate transducer 36, transducer insulation 42, a transformer 40, low voltage lead wires 38, and lead wires 30.
- the transducer 36 converts input non-electrical bio-acoustic or heart sound waves into output electrical signal parameters.
- the transducer 36 is communicatively connected to a transformer 40 by the low voltage lead wires 38 (approximately 30 gauge) .
- the low voltage lead wires 38 have an insulation layer 39 and are attached to contacts 37 of the transducer 36. Both low voltage lead wires 38 are shown embedded in transducer insulation 42.
- the transformer 40 is of a design known in the art which converts the output electrical signal of the transducer 36 into an electrical signal of the same frequency and at an increased alternating voltage. As shown, the current distribution system or lead wires 30 are connected to contacts 41 of transformer 40 which conduct the transformed electrical signal to the heart sound analyzing apparatus 13. Lead wires 30 have a non-conductive inner insulator 31 and a non-conductive outer insulator 32 which collectively form the cable structure 12.
- SUBSTITUTESHEET Fig. 11 further shows the circular plate transducer 36 comprising a first plate 46, a second plate 47 and a side wall 50.
- the first plate 46 and the second plate 47 are respectively bonded to the top and bottom of the side wall 50.
- the spacially removed plates 46 and 47 form a transducer void area 54 and each serves as a connecting base, respectively, for the piezoelectric outer crystal member 48 and inner crystal member 49 which are likewise spacially separated.
- the first plate 46, second plate 47 and side wall 50 are preferably composed of a metallic substance suitable for mounting crystals.
- outer crystal lead wires 51 and inner crystal lead wires 53 which are disposed in the transducer void area 54.
- Each wire 51 and 53 is connected to the transducer contacts 37, to which the low voltage lead wires 38 are also attached.
- Outer crystal lead wires 51 are shown substantially sheathed in insulation 52.
- SUBSTITUTESHEET means for receiving and transmitting the bio-acoustic waves and corresponding electrical output signals as discussed above.
- the acoustical chemical compositions used in this invention are relatively inexpensive. Additionally, these compositions can be easily molded around the transducer embodiments discussed above. Thus, by molding these compositions about a desired transducer embodiment previously fixed in a mold structure, an economical bio-acoustic signal sensing device can be manufactured to yield a disposable sensor structure. If desired, however, the unitary containment media compositions described are chemically stable to permit sanitizing procedures for repeated sensor use.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US301,796 | 1989-01-25 | ||
US07/301,796 US4947859A (en) | 1989-01-25 | 1989-01-25 | Bio-acoustic signal sensing device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1990008506A1 true WO1990008506A1 (en) | 1990-08-09 |
Family
ID=23164919
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1989/005604 WO1990008506A1 (en) | 1989-01-25 | 1989-12-14 | Bio-acoustic signal sensing device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4947859A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0406381A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU4826790A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1990008506A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
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FR2672794A1 (en) * | 1991-02-18 | 1992-08-21 | Univ Limoges | Device for detecting and examining physiological sounds, in particular respiratory sounds, and unit for processing these sounds |
WO1994005207A1 (en) * | 1992-09-09 | 1994-03-17 | Mcg International, Inc. | Disposable sensing device with cutaneous conformance |
US6371924B1 (en) | 1998-11-09 | 2002-04-16 | Medacoustics, Inc. | Acoustic window identification |
US10925573B2 (en) | 2017-10-04 | 2021-02-23 | Ausculsciences, Inc. | Auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensor |
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DE3744605C1 (en) * | 1987-12-31 | 1989-04-27 | Jochen Dipl-Ing Heimann | Sensor |
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US20030212393A1 (en) | 1996-01-05 | 2003-11-13 | Knowlton Edward W. | Handpiece with RF electrode and non-volatile memory |
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US6278890B1 (en) | 1998-11-09 | 2001-08-21 | Medacoustics, Inc. | Non-invasive turbulent blood flow imaging system |
US6017313A (en) | 1998-03-20 | 2000-01-25 | Hypertension Diagnostics, Inc. | Apparatus and method for blood pressure pulse waveform contour analysis |
US6132383A (en) | 1998-03-20 | 2000-10-17 | Hypertension Diagnostics, Inc. | Apparatus for holding and positioning an arterial pulse pressure sensor |
US6159166A (en) * | 1998-03-20 | 2000-12-12 | Hypertension Diagnostics, Inc. | Sensor and method for sensing arterial pulse pressure |
US6261237B1 (en) | 1998-08-20 | 2001-07-17 | Medacoustics, Inc. | Thin film piezoelectric polymer sensor |
US6723054B1 (en) | 1998-08-24 | 2004-04-20 | Empirical Technologies Corporation | Apparatus and method for measuring pulse transit time |
US6463187B1 (en) | 1998-08-24 | 2002-10-08 | Empirical Technologies Corporation | Variable coupler fiberoptic sensor and sensing apparatus using the sensor |
JP2002523118A (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2002-07-30 | シー. バラク、マーティン | Sensing pad assembly using variable coupler optical fiber sensor |
US6907148B2 (en) | 1998-08-24 | 2005-06-14 | Empirical Technologies Corporation | Sensing apparatus employing variable coupler fiberoptic sensor |
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US6699201B2 (en) | 1998-11-09 | 2004-03-02 | Medacoustics, Inc. | Acoustic window identification |
US10925573B2 (en) | 2017-10-04 | 2021-02-23 | Ausculsciences, Inc. | Auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensor |
US11510644B2 (en) | 2017-10-04 | 2022-11-29 | Ausculsciences, Inc. | Wiring harness for use with auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensors |
US11896420B2 (en) | 2017-10-04 | 2024-02-13 | Ausculsciences, Inc. | Auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US4947859A (en) | 1990-08-14 |
EP0406381A1 (en) | 1991-01-09 |
AU4826790A (en) | 1990-08-24 |
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